Cheddar Sour Cream Pasta Salad for Potlucks and Cookouts
Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy side dish made with tender pasta, sharp cheddar cheese, and a smooth sour cream dressing. It is perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and everyday meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups elbow macaroni
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced celery
1/3 cup diced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water, then let cool completely.
- Dice celery and onion into small pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooled macaroni and toss to coat.
- Fold in cheddar cheese, celery, and onion.
- Add herbs and mix gently.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Stir before serving and adjust texture if needed.
Notes
Let pasta cool fully before mixing.
Use sharp cheddar for best flavor.
Add extra sour cream if the salad thickens.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.